Don’t be Scared to…Change your Router Passwords

Okay – so your have your wireless network up and its been running great and the last thing you want to do is touch any settings because the thought of going back and changing anything is scary! Well, it doesn’t have to be! I’m here to help.

In week 2 of our 4 week series — it’s all about changing the default password on your router! If you haven’t changed the default password or the password since you set up your router, it’s about time!

Here are the steps to take to change your router default passwords. Changing the default password will eliminate any unauthorized users from changing your network settings.

Step 1: For PC UsersAccess the router’s web-based setup page.

PC Step A: Open a web browser such as Internet Explorer.

PC Step B: Go to the Address bar and enter your router’s IP address (“192.168.1.1” is the default IP of most Linksys routers) then press [Enter].

NOTE : For WRP400, the default IP address would be “192.168.15.1” and if you place the router behind a primary router with the IP address of “192.168.15.1”, then the router will automatically assume a new default IP address, “192.168.16.1”.

NOTE: If you are using Mac to access the router’s web-based setup page, following these directions:

Mac Step A: Open a web browser such as Safari.

Mac Step B: Click Safari on the dock and on the Address bar and enter your router’s IP address (“192.168.1.1” is the default IP of most Linksys routers) then press [Return].

Both PC and MacNOTE: If the IP address of the router has been changed, type the router’s IP address in the Address bar instead.

The router’s IP address can be changed by:

Running the router’s setup CD.

Changing it on the router’s web-based setup page.

If you forgot the router’s IP address you can:

Check the router’s IP address.

Press the Reset button at the back of the router for 30 seconds.

NOTE: This procedure will reset your router to factory default. Any settings on the router will be erased. The router’s IP address will be “192.168.1.1” (the default IP of most Linksys routers) and “admin” will be the password.

PC and Mac Step 3: Enter the new password on the Password and Re-enter to confirm fields.

or it may look like this if you have an older router:

PC and Mac Step 3:Enter the new password on the Enter NewPassword and Re-enter To confirm fields.

Step 4:

Click .

NOTE: The next time you log-on to the router’s web-based setup page, you should use the new password.

That’s it! Your router password has been changed.

If you are feeling up for the next simple challenge.. Change your SSID (also known as the Network Name – the default is Linksys) Here is how to do it: http://bit.ly/185CAr

And if you wanted to set up your wireless network so that only your family can access, you will need to enable WPA encryption. This is how you do that: http://bit.ly/3jQgP6

Hope these tips will help update your passwords and security settings with ease. However, if you need more help on how to do this – visit our learning center or our community forums.

Happy Networking!

Leave a comment

We'd love to hear from you! To earn points and badges for participating in the conversation, join Cisco Social Rewards. Your comment(s) will appear instantly on the live site. Spam, promotional and derogatory comments will be removed.

Yeah it is amazing how few people actually do this - and yes, probably out of fear to suddenly not have net access and have to restart the process.Definitely recommend changing the SSID as Karen suggests.But when in doubt, call a network tech or have the guys at GeekSquad or a local firm to pop in to assist you with this.

Some of the individuals posting to this site, including the moderators, work for Cisco Systems. Opinions expressed here and in any corresponding comments are the personal opinions of the original authors, not of Cisco. The content is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be an endorsement or representation by Cisco or any other party. This site is available to the public. No information you consider confidential should be posted to this site. By posting you agree to be solely responsible for the content of all information you contribute, link to, or otherwise upload to the Website and release Cisco from any liability related to your use of the Website. You also grant to Cisco a worldwide, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free and fully-paid, transferable (including rights to sublicense) right to exercise all copyright, publicity, and moral rights with respect to any original content you provide. The comments are moderated. Comments will appear as soon as they are approved by the moderator.